A bronze Roman Cavalry
Harness or Cavesson. A military harness or muzzle for the Cavalry
Soldier's horse.

This piece has two loops on each side to accept the
actual horse bit, with a ridged lateral nose band around the center.
At the center of the piece which would have sat on the bridge of the
horses snout, two decorative circles extend in opposing fashion. A
part of the center is cracked which appears to have happened in antiquity.
(possibly from battle damage or at burial) Much of the surface is
still covered in a rough patina, and areas with surface encrustations are still
visible. (item will be properly conserved) The
original piece would most likely have had a narrow rod that would have
joined the two hoops under the snout of the horse. This would have
provided support for the Cavesson on the horses head.

The Harness or Cavesson was more common in the East/Mediterranean however
numerous examples exist from the Western provinces. Something that
was derived from a mixture of Italian and Barbarian elements, and most
likely was influenced from the orient. (Thracian) This item would
have provided tighter control of the horse and would have allowed for
better Cavalry tactics and battle manoeuvres.(1)

Rare example for which there are not many that have survived. This
may in part be to their limited use.